Flooding in New York City: Rainstorm Causes Chaos Across Metro Area
A potent rush-hour rainstorm flooded the New York City metro area on Friday, causing chaos on streets and highways, impacting subway service, and leading to flight delays and cancellations. Central Park received over five inches of rain, making it the wettest day on record for some parts of the city. The heavy rain is expected to continue throughout the night and into Saturday.
In Brooklyn, more than six inches of rain fell, with some areas experiencing over 2.5 inches in just one hour. JFK Airport also set a new record with 7.88 inches of rain, surpassing a record set in 1948. In fact, this rainfall made September the rainiest month on record, with over 12 inches of rain.
A flood watch is in effect for the entire tri-state area, and flash flood warnings have been issued for New York City and surrounding regions. Despite a temporary break in the rain, Mayor Eric Adams has urged residents to stay put if possible.
Virtually every subway line has been affected, with either suspensions, reroutes, or delays. The Metro-North commuter railroad is also suspended, and bus service has been severely disrupted. Traffic has come to a standstill in some areas, with water flooding the FDR Drive. In South Williamsburg, workers struggled to unclog storm drains while residents attempted to navigate the flooded sidewalks.
While no storm-related deaths or critical injuries have been reported, residents are facing significant challenges in getting around the waterlogged city. Flights into LaGuardia Airport were halted and delayed due to water in the refueling area, and one of the airport’s terminals had to be closed. Hoboken, New Jersey, also experienced flooding and declared a state of emergency.
This rainstorm comes just months after deadly floods in the Hudson Valley and Vermont’s capital, Montpelier. It is a reminder to residents that they must take these events seriously due to the impact of climate change.
Despite the challenging conditions, the rain is expected to taper off by Saturday morning, with pleasant weather forecasted for the rest of the weekend. The following week will bring warmer temperatures and no rainfall, offering a welcome break from the recent downpours.
The Mets vs. Phillies game has been postponed and will be played as part of a doubleheader on Saturday, while the preseason hockey game between the New York Rangers and New York Islanders has also been postponed until Saturday night.
Residents are advised to exercise caution during this time and to avoid flooded roadways. Those living in basement apartments should prepare to move to higher ground if necessary. The city has enacted a flash flood plan and is inspecting catch basins and roads in flood-prone areas.
As New Yorkers navigate these challenging conditions, they must stay resilient and adapt to the changing climate, knowing that similar events may occur more frequently in the future.
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